| Author: | Wong, Lai Ha Peony |
| Title: | Evaluation of the environmental contamination levels & body contamination rate between two different removal methods in three types of protective clothing |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Subject: | Microbial contamination -- Prevention. Medical personnel -- Health and hygiene. Medical personnel -- Safety measures. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Faculty of Health and Social Sciences |
| Pages: | x, 88 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Background: Personal protective clothing (PPC) is necessary for protecting the healthcare workers' (HCWs) arms and exposed body areas and preventing contamination of clothing with blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. PPC should be removed before leaving the patient care area to prevent possible contamination of the environment outside the patient's room in a manner that puts a stop to contamination of clothing or skin, such as the CDC-recommended removal method. Indeed the body contamination rates and the levels of environmental contamination may be increased by careless removal of PPC. Thus this study was aimed at investigating the body contamination rates and the levels of environmental contamination when using different methods of removing PPC within two different distances. Methods: Fifty HCWs performed individual accustomed removal method (IARM) (pre-test) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended removal gown method (post-test) for three types of PPC at the distances of 1 feet and 2 feet (customary distances used by HCWs) after applying Glo-germ simulated germ lotion onto the surface of the protective clothing. Results: Experimental results showed that the small Fluorescent stains (SFS) contaminated the environments from the front, left and right directions by IARM. The CDC recommended removal method had significantly reduced SFS from the front, left and right directions in one feet distance, and front direction in two feet distance. One feet distance had significantly more Fluorescent stains/patches than two feet distance. The CDC recommended removal gown methods had significantly reduced the overall environmental contamination at one feet distance. The hands, shoes and underwear of the subjects were contaminated during the removal procedure. The CDC recommended removal of gown method had statistically significantly reduced the contamination of hands and shoes than IARM. There were significantly different contaminations both in overall environment and body (hands and shoes) between PPC types at 1 and 2 feet distance. Plastic apron had relatively higher chance to contaminate the environment and linen gown carried the lowest contaminative hazards to the hands, shoes and the surroundings. Senior staff tended to have higher chance of hand contamination in IARM. However, through the demonstration of proper procedures of CDC method and watching a video, this group of staff had made a significant improvement and reduced hand contamination. For subject's perception of overall comfort of wearing the three types of PPC namely (a) water resistant gown, (b) linen gown and (c) plastic apron, about 50% of the subject voted acceptable and 26% comfortable. The perceived wetness and hotness of the clothing significantly affected the overall comfort result. Conclusion: In conclusion, the proper way of removal of contaminated isolation gown or apron can reduce the level of contamination of surrounding areas and body. Therefore, it is imperative that all HCWs should be familiar with the CDC-recommended removal of gown method. Also, the removal procedure should be performed in an appropriate area, such as not in front of the patient, and standing at the distance of more than two feet apart from any object in the removal gown area. To reinforce the knowledge and techniques of removing gown, periodic PPE assessment training for all level of HCWs should be conducted by a trained personnel, such as infection control nurse of the hospital. Environmental cleaning should pay more attention to raise awareness of the gown removal area. Finally, the overall wearing comfort of three types of PPC is acceptable which is largely related to the perceived wetness and hotness of the clothing. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b2528194x.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 25.05 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/6675